Match Preview: v Port Adelaide

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Port Adelaide has quietly put together an impressive start to the season, but leaving the Gabba with the four premiership points will be no easy task. Although the Brisbane Lions have a 1-4 win-loss record, they've shown a heap of improvement on 2016, most recently pushing the premier Western Bulldogs to the brink before fading in the final 10 minutes. A fit Dayne Beams and rejuvenated Tom Rockliff are leading a hungry midfield, while Harris Andrews and NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Eric Hipwood have made big strides in the key position posts. But the Power will rightfully start favourites and have also made a big leap from last season. Their midfield is deep and the run from defensive 50 is hard to counter. Ken Hinkley's men are 3-2, and even without injured skipper Travis Boak, should solidify their spot in the eight with a tight win over the Lions.

1. Nothing separates the two clubs in head-to-head matches, deadlocked at 15 wins apiece, with two draws. The Power has won four of the past five, including the past two by a combined 171 points. The Lions have a nine wins to five edge at the Gabba, though.

2. The Lions have been one of the most accurate teams in front of goal this season, kicking 62.43 at 54.4 per cent. Port Adelaide has also been good, with 82.64 at 52.6 per cent.

3. Despite their 1-4 start the Lions have improved from 2016, where they averaged 80 points a game while conceding 130. This season it is 83 and 111 points respectively.

4. Tom Rockliff has had a blistering start to the season, rising from 91st to 36th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Rockliff is averaging 31 disposals (16 contested) and 10 clearances, which leads the AFL.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs